Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ jersey auctioned for WHOPPING $9.28 million in London

Diego Maradona's 1986 jersey worn in the quarterfinal was auctioned for next to $10 million.

Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ jersey auctioned for WHOPPING $9.28 million in London

Diego Maradona's 'hand of God' jersey (Via X/@ESPNFC)

History has once again been made in the name of Diego Armando Maradona, days before his 3rd death anniversary. The footballing world was witness to a moment of disbelief when the jersey worn by the Argentine legend was sold for a whopping sum of $9.28 million at an auction in Sotheby’s, London. The blue Argentina jersey worn by the #10 when he scored the iconic ‘Hand of God’ goal against Peter Shilton is what was sold for a world record price.

Diego Maradona rose to immortality in footballing terms when he lifted the 1986 World Cup with Argentina, defeating West Germany. Maradona’s moment came in the 51st minute when the player leaped to head the ball over England goalkeeper, Peter Shilton. However, Maradona used his hand to poke the ball beyond Peter Shilton’s reach, which was missed by the referee. This moment came to be known as the ‘Hand of God’.

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The jersey which made headlines, was auctioned off for a sum of $9.28 million, breaking the world record for both a jersey and sports memorabilia, auctioned off at such a high price.

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Maradona’s #10 jersey broke the record earlier held by Babe Ruth‘s match-worn jersey which was sold at $5.64 million (1928-1930 New York Yankees). It also broke the record for sports memorabilia, earlier held by a $8.8 million original, hand-drawn Olympic manifesto.

Diego Maradona’s ‘hand of God’ – The story behind the jersey

The jersey which sold for a monumental $9.28 million price tag was worn by the Argentine in the quarter-final against England. His first goal, the hand of God was covered in controversy. Maradona later said,

A little from the head of Maradona and a little from the hand of God.”

The ball used to score 'hand of God' in 1986
The ball used to score ‘hand of God’ in 1986 (Via X/@SkySports)

He followed minutes later, scoring one of the most brilliant goals to ever be scores in a World Cup. The goal was later announced as the goal of the century by FIFA.

Diego Maradona swapped shirts with England midfielder Steve Hodge after the quarter-final match. The player had previously turned down all bids for the jersey and has been on display in the National Football Museum since 2002. Brahm Wachter, the head of streetwear and modern collectibles at Sotheby’s said:

This is arguably the most coveted Football shirt to ever come to an auction and it is fitting that it holds the record for any object of it's kind.

Even though initial disputes clouded the credibility of jersey, Sotheby’s eventually cleared all questions regarding the same. Diego Maradona’s daughter, Dalma Maradona, claimed that the jersey with Steve Hodge was the one worn in the first half and not the one he was wearing when he scored the goal. However, ‘Resolution Photo matching’ confirmed that it was indeed the original.

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